Car Air-Conditioners: Green Tips for Automotive Maintenance

When the mercury rises in the thermometer, it's so nice to crank that air-conditioning on high and enjoy. Unfortunately there's a down-side to everything, even AC. We know that air-conditioners, be they window units or complete central air systems, are costly. Heavy use of home air-conditioning is harmful to the environment also. There are even health issues associated with air conditioners.

But what about the car air- conditioner? Alas even the car air-conditioner is not without problems. In fact, one of the first things to go wrong with a new car is that the air-conditioner goes out. Why? Because owners don't use their car AC's properly and run them too hard. How can we enjoy car air-conditioners in a safe, green way?

First practice your PMs (that's millwright and maintenance jargon for 'preventative maintenance'). As much as possible, prevent your car from becoming intensely hot inside. Intense heat is not good for your car's interior, exterior and overall functioning. Park in the shade. Park in parking ramps.

Roll windows down when the car is parked and don't store valuables in the car. If you are uncomfortable with leaving windows all the way down, at least open them part way all the way around the vehicle for airflow.

For periods when your car will be parked for long periods in the open, place a folding cardboard screen in your window to keep the sun out. Cover your car if it will be stored or parked in long-term parking at the airport or parking ramp.

Next, always open your car doors and windows to let the trapped heat in the car escape. Don't put added burden on your car's AC and indeed the engine itself by making it cool air that is super-heated. Let nature do it's work as much as possible.

Use your car air conditioner only when you need it. It's easy to become an AC addict. Some people automatically crank the AC on when it isn't really that warm. For health reasons and for car maintenance, practice dialing down your car air-conditioner. Adjust your body to cooling with less AC. You will save on gas mileage and gas costs. Your car's engine will reward you with better performance as it won't have to work so hard cooling the car.

Last when you are in heavy, stop and start city traffic, try to turn the air conditioner off and open the windows. Running the AC in heavy, slow traffic is extremely hard on your car. Likewise, don't sit in your car with only the auxiliary on, just to power the air-conditioner. You may as well hand your car a gun and tell it to shoot itself.

Take care of your car and car air-conditioner and it will take care of you.